Visit Us

Whatever your interests and field of study – on student work, academic teaching and research, family history, personal research, school projects - come and see what we have in the University archives that might help you.  

Unfortunately, we don’t have the resources to undertake extensive research involving our archives, but we are very happy to help researchers to make effective use of our material. 

Location and opening times

The University archives and reading room is located at the Lord Milford building in Gogerddan, on the first floor, which is fully accessible. There is a lift located to the left of the foyer area when you enter the building. 

Our opening hours are: 

Monday to Wednesday

09:00-17:00 

Closed for lunch 12:30-13:30* 

*We may be able to be flexible on lunch times. No eating and drinking are allowed in the archives. Blas Gogerddan café is located just a short walk across the road and offers hot and cold food and drinks. 

We are closed on public holidays and University closed days, including a full week around both Christmas and Easter. 

There is a free carpark to the front of the building. Alternatively, if you are travelling by public transport, there is a bus stop right outside, and it is about a fifteen-minute walk to Bow Street train station. 

Some of our collections are housed on the Penglais campus so, depending on what material you are interested in, you may be asked to visit the consultation room located in the Hugh Owen Library.  

Making an appointment

We don’t have unlimited space so, if you are planning to visit us, it is essential that you book a place in advance by contacting archives@aber.ac.uk. It is usually advisable to make an appointment a week in advance to make sure we can accommodate you. We will then confirm the date and time of your appointment by email. 

There is no need to order archival material in advance, but it will speed things up if you can. 

During your visit

During the above opening hours, the door to the building will be unlocked. However, to alert staff in the archives to your arrival please ring the doorbell, located to the right of the door. Do come inside and a member of staff will be with you shortly, where you will be asked to: 

  • Provide proof of identification. Staff and students at the University should bring their valid Aber Card and external readers should bring with them ID showing their photograph and address (normally a passport or driving licence).  
  • Wash your hands before you enter the reading room. 
  • Read the Rules for Readers and sign a Readers Statement.